St. Paul's CB Jalen Thompson impressed with Alabama visit

Jalen Thompson (7) forces a fumble in a game against Williamson last fall. (Mike Kittrell/mkittrell@al.com)

St. Paul's cornerback Jalen Thompson was among the visitors in Tuscaloosa last weekend as Alabama opened spring drills, and the three-star prospect is hopeful of getting an offer from the Crimson Tide.

"It was great. I love how the facilities are set up and how the practices are set up," said Thompson, who spent time with Nick Saban and outside linebackers coach Lance Thompson, who recruits the Mobile area. "They love the way I play. They want me to keep coming on visits and to stay patient."

He also got to spend time with Alabama defensive backs Landon Collins, Jonathan Cook and Eddie Jackson.

Thompson (5-11, 170), who returned two of his seven interceptions for touchdowns in 2013, said Florida is the current leader among his 12 offers, with Louisville, Georgia, South Carolina and Southern Miss also among his favorites. An Alabama offer "would put them in the top five, maybe top three," he said.

Thompson plans to visit Florida in about two weeks and hopes to return to Tuscaloosa for the Crimson Tide's spring game. Auburn has also kept in contact with him and he's visited the Plains "a couple times."

A shortstop on the undefeated St. Paul's baseball team, Thompson said he hopes to play both sports in college. He said his comfort level on campus and its proximity to Mobile will also be factors in his decision, which he hopes to make before the season begins this fall.